Holiday cover - how much do you pay?

Joeyjojo

Joeyjojo

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Hi,

I am looking for someone to help me with my two horses whilst I'm away on holiday for a few days and just wanted to get a rough idea of cost so I know if the prices quoted are reasonable. How much would you normally expect to pay for someone to look after (water, pick out feet, sun cream, check rugs etc, feed and possibly poo pick) two horses? They are out 24/7 so relatively easy, I just have no idea how much it should cost! It's in the South Bucks area to give an idea of location as I expect prices vary across the country.

Many thanks :)
 
Being on a livery yard makes life easy when I'm away. My lovely YO's do both my horses care for £5 a day, that includes all care, plus mucking out, hay soaking and horsewalker.
 
Yes it does. I worked out I could have sent my two off on full livery for less money than what I paid out for holiday cover on top of feed and bedding etc. but it's nice having them at home otherwise!
 
7 days for 2 horses one stabled horse during the day other out 24/7. Feed, hay, rug changes, poo picking and 4 X in hand walking for 20 minutes for one horse = £200 for a freelance down south
 
Find the right person and then pay what they want.

You will only have a good holiday if you know you have left your horses in good hands - so it isn't one to be stingy about especially as you may want to be top of the list next year.
 
LadyRascasse said:
7 days for 2 horses one stabled horse during the day other out 24/7. Feed, hay, rug changes, poo picking and 4 X in hand walking for 20 minutes for one horse = £200 for a freelance down south
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I just paid £200 holiday cover for the two dogs in the Midlands for 8 days. Seems strange that it's infinitely cheaper here, to have the horses cared for by excellent qualified professionals.
 
i look after 2 horses when their owner is away with work- usually 3 days in a row.
the southern rates!- based on the livery yard next door. Is £2.50 each to turn out and £5 each to muck out- so £20 a day. they are currently out at night and in during the day but other way round in winter. obviously I also do hay, water, feeds, sweep the yard, change rugs and pick out feet. boots on and off one horse, and check them over for any nicks.
my old yard would be £2.50 when they just fed my mare in the field and would be another £2.50 to do rug change. poo picking is normally £5 an hour.
personally for 2 visits a day, including poo picking and applying creams ect, i would want £20 simply because it is 2 journeys there and back, so £10 a visit makes it worth my while.
 
I agree that being completely confident in the person that is looking after your horses is worth what said person wants to charge.

I have paid £25 a day for something similar to what you require - but I would say hourly would be £10-£15.
 
Thanks everyone that's been very useful and lots of good tips. I'm not looking to scrimp but just wanted to get a general feel for what people paid.

Thankfully my OH will still be around to make sure the horses are in one piece. He works long hours though hence the need for someone professional to look after them!
 
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